The Lamar CISD Transportation Department proudly recognized Axel Hernandez, an eighth grader at Lamar Junior High. Axel's quick thinking, compassion, and bravery made a significant difference when a bus driver experienced a medical emergency during a bus route. 

On August 25, as Axel took his usual bus route home, he quickly noticed that something was wrong. The bus driver on Route 1022 seemed to be in distress. Without hesitation, Axel sprang into action and offered help.  

 

 "We are honoring the courage and maturity that he showed. It's not every day, that, especially at the junior high level, that they show that much maturity in the face of an emergency," said Michelle Summers, Assistant Director of the Rosenberg Transportation office, recalling how Axel remained calm and rendered aid.  

"I thought the driver was losing consciousness, so I approached him to see what happened," said Axel while describing the moments after he noticed his bus driver in distress. 

The transportation staff members mentioned that Axel offered the bus driver water and waited until emergency services arrived. The bus driver was taken to the hospital and has since been at home recovering.  

  

On Thursday, September 25, Axel was surrounded by his loved ones and fellow students as he received an award from the Lamar CISD Transportation Department. 

  

Members from the Transportation team were at Lamar Junior High to honor Axel with the award, including Ismael Rangel, Director of Transportation, and Diane Parks, Area Superintendent of Operations, who presented him with the recognition for his bravery, along with a backpack full of school supplies.  

Axel's mother and grandmother were there when he received the award, expressing pride in his actions. 

  

" I feel very proud because that shows me and my mother that we are doing a good job with him, because the simple fact that he tried to help him (the driver) means a lot to me. I'm so proud to see that he has a big heart,” said Axel's mother, Rosa Hernandez Donjuan, through translation.  

Axel's message is clear: don't be a bystander. 

 

"If you see something that's off, just try and help whatever you can and try to do something about it," said Axel after receiving the recognition.